By Laurel V Williams Friday, August 20 2010

INTERNATIONAL rapper and movie star 50 Cent (Curtis James Jackson III) rose to fame with his album, Get Rich, or Die Tryin’, but locals now have the opportunity to become instant star and even perform alongside him in Trinidad.

Get Rich Records, the organisation responsible for bringing him to the country later this year, also promises to host other international artistes such as R&B singer Usher and rock band Linkin Park as part of a national talent competition entitled Upcoming Starz.

Currently, auditions are taking place for the competition at the Creative Arts Centre, Circular Road in San Fernando at the cost of US $20 or TT$ 120. There the potential international acts are given voice training and also have the opportunity to be part of photo shoots. Competitors are vying for a total of US$10,000 and an international record deal with either Adidjaheim Records, Solid Agency or Get Rich Records.

Manager and event sponsor Orson Dennis told Newsday that at the competition, contestants would have a chance to showcase their talents as well as make themselves more marketable on a global level.

Dennis explained that the competition aims to attract all genre of music.

“The first act will be on September 17 with Bollywood singer Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik, performing on the same stage. This will be the Indian aspect of the competition. One lucky couple ( ticket holders) could also win a trip to India as well as US$1,000 cash,” Dennis said.

He further boasted that chutney king Ravi B with the band Karma and other local artistes are also scheduled to perform during this segment of the competition.

Dates for the performances of 50 Cent are yet to be announced but Dennis assured that it would be either in December or early January.